Multi-deck memory device with access line and data line segregation between decks and method of operation thereof

ABSTRACT

Some embodiments include apparatuses and methods using a substrate, a first memory cell block including first memory cell strings located over the substrate, first data lines coupled to the first memory cell strings, a second memory cell block including second memory cell strings located over the first memory cell block, second data lines coupled to the second memory cell strings, first conductive paths located over the substrate and coupled between the first data lines and buffer circuitry of the apparatus, and second conductive paths located over the substrate and coupled between the second data lines and the buffer circuitry. No conductive path of the first and second conductive paths is shared by the first and second memory cell blocks.

PRIORITY APPLICATION

This application is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 16/108,766, filed Aug. 22, 2018, which is a divisional of U.S. application Ser. No. 15/231,011, filed Aug. 8, 2016, issued as U.S. Pat. No. 10/074,430, all of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entireties.

BACKGROUND

Memory devices are widely used in computers and many electronic items to store information. A memory device has numerous memory cells. The memory device performs a write operation to store information in the memory cells, a read operation to read the stored information, and an erase operation to erase information (e.g., obsolete information) from some or all of the memory cells the memory device. Memory cells in a memory device are usually organized in memory cell blocks. A memory device has access lines to access the memory cell blocks during a memory operation (e.g., read, write, or erase operation). A memory device also has data lines to carry information (e.g., in the form of signals) to be stored in or read from the memory cell blocks. However, some conventional memory devices have the access lines and data lines structured in ways that may affect the efficiency (e.g., throughput) of the memory device. Therefore, such conventional memory devices may be unsuitable for some applications.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 shows a block diagram of an apparatus in the form of a memory device, according to some embodiments described herein.

FIG. 2 shows a block diagram of a portion of a memory device including decks of memory cell strings, separate access lines between the decks, and separate data lines between the decks, according to some embodiments described herein.

FIG. 3 shows a schematic diagram of a portion of the memory device of FIG. 2 including details of driver circuits and buffer circuits of the memory device of FIG. 2, according to some embodiments described herein.

FIG. 4 shows a layout of a portion of the memory device of FIG. 2, according to some embodiments described herein.

FIG. 5 shows a side view of a structure of a portion of the memory device of FIG. 2, according to some embodiments described herein.

FIG. 6 shows a schematic diagram of a memory device including decks memory cell strings, shared access lines between the decks, and separate data lines between the decks, according to some embodiments described herein.

FIG. 7 shows a schematic diagram of a portion of the memory device of FIG. 6 including details of a driver circuit and buffer circuits of the memory device of FIG. 6, according to some embodiments described herein.

FIG. 8 is a chart showing example voltages applied to some signals of the memory device of FIG. 6 and FIG. 7 during read, write, and erase operations, according to some embodiments described herein.

FIG. 9 shows a schematic diagram of a portion of a memory device, which can be a variation of the memory device of FIG. 7, according to some embodiments described herein.

FIG. 10 is a chart showing example voltages applied to some signals of the memory device of FIG. 9 during read, write, and erase operations, according to some embodiments described herein.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

FIG. 1 shows a block diagram of an apparatus in the form of a memory device 100, according to some embodiments described herein. Memory device 100 can include a device portion 101 that includes a memory array (or multiple memory arrays) containing memory cells 102 arranged in decks, such as decks 115 ₀and 115 ₁. In each of decks 115 ₀and 115 ₁, memory cells 102 can be arranged in memory cell blocks, such as memory cell blocks 190 in decks 115 ₀ and memory cell blocks 191 in decks 115 ₁. In the physical structure of memory device 100, decks 115 ₀and 115 ₁ can be arranged vertically (e.g., stacked over each other) over a substrate (e.g., a semiconductor substrate) of memory device 100. FIG. 1 shows memory device 100 having two decks 115 ₀ and 115 ₁ and two memory cell blocks 190 and 191 in each of the decks, respectively, as an example. Memory device 100 can have more than two decks of memory cells and more than two memory cell blocks in each of the decks.

As shown in FIG. 1, memory device 100 can include access lines 150 (which can include word lines) and data lines (e.g., local data lines) 170 (which can include bit lines). Access lines 150 can carry signals (e.g., word line signals) WL0 through WLm. Data lines 170 can carry signals (e.g., bit line signals) BL0 ₀ through BLn₀ and signals BL0 ₁ through BLn₁. Memory device 100 can use access lines 150 to selectively access memory cells 102 of decks 115 ₀ and 115 ₁ and data lines 170 to selectively exchange information (e.g., data) with memory cells 102 of decks 115 ₀ and 115 ₁.

Memory device 100 can include an address register 107 to receive address information (e.g., address signals) ADDR on lines (e.g., address lines) 103. Memory device 100 can include row access circuitry 108 and column access circuitry 109 that can decode address information from address register 107. Based on decoded address information, memory device 100 can determine which memory cells 102 of deck 115 ₀, deck 115 ₁, both decks 115 ₀and 115 ₁ are to be accessed during a memory operation. Memory device 100 can perform a read operation to read (e.g., sense) information (e.g., previously stored information) in memory cells 102 of deck 115 ₀, deck 115 ₁, or both decks 115 ₀ and 115 ₁; or a write (e.g., programming) operation to store (e.g., program) information in memory cells 102 of deck 115 ₀, deck 115 ₁, or both decks 115 ₀and 115 ₁. Memory device 100 can also perform an erase operation to erase information from some or all of memory cells 102 of deck 115 ₀, deck 115 ₁, or both decks 115 ₀and 115 ₁.

Memory device 100 can use data lines 170 associated with signals BL0 ₀through BLn₀ to provide information to be stored in memory cells 102 of deck 115 ₀, or obtain information read (e.g., sensed) from memory cells 102 of deck 115 ₀. Similarly, memory device 100 can use the same data lines 170 associated with signals BL0 ₁ through BLn₁ to provide information to be stored in memory cells 102 of deck 115 ₁, or obtain information read (e.g., sensed) from memory cells 102 of deck 115 ₁.

Memory device 100 can include a control unit 118 that can be configured to control memory operations of memory device 100 based on control signals on lines 104. Examples of the control signals on lines 104 include one or more clock signals and other signals (e.g., a chip enable signal CE#, a write enable signal WE#) to indicate which operation (e.g., read, write, or erase operation) memory device 100 can perform.

Memory device 100 can include buffer circuitry 120 that can include components such as sense amplifiers and page buffer circuits (e.g., data latches). Buffer circuitry 120 can respond to signals BL_SEL0 through BL_SELn from column access circuitry 109. Buffer circuitry 120 can be configured to determine (e.g., by sensing) the value of information read from memory cells 102 (e.g., during a read operation) of decks 115 ₀ and 115 ₁ and provide the value of the information in the form of signals BL0 ₀ through BLn₀ and signals BL0 ₁ through BLn₁ to lines (e.g., global data lines) 175. Buffer circuitry 120 can also can be configured to use signals on lines 175 to determine the value of information to be stored (e.g., programmed) in memory cells 102 of decks 115 ₀ and 115 ₁ (e.g., during a write operation) based on the values (e.g., voltage values) of signals on lines 175 (e.g., during a write operation).

Memory device 100 can include input/output (I/O) circuitry 117 to exchange information between of decks 115 ₀ and 115 ₁and lines (e.g., I/O lines) 105. Signals DQ0 through DQN on lines 105 can represent information read from or stored in memory cells 102 of decks 115 ₀ and 115 ₁. Lines 105 can include nodes within memory device 100 or pins (or solder balls) on a package where memory device 100 can reside. Other devices external to memory device 100 (e.g., a memory controller or a processor) can communicate with memory device 100 through lines 103, 104, and 105.

Memory device 100 can receive a supply voltage, including supply voltages Vcc and Vss. Supply voltage Vss can operate at a ground potential (e.g., having a value of approximately zero volts). Supply voltage Vcc can include an external voltage supplied to memory device 100 from an external power source such as a battery or an alternating current to direct current (AC-DC) converter circuitry.

Each of memory cells 102 can be programmed to store information representing a value of a fraction of a bit, a value of a single bit, or a value of multiple bits such as two, three, four, or another number of bits. For example, each of memory cells 102 can be programmed to store information representing a binary value “0” or “1” of a single bit. The single bit per cell is sometimes called a single level cell. In another example, each of memory cells 102 can be programmed to store information representing a value for multiple bits, such as one of four possible values “00”, “01”, “10”, and “11” of two bits, one of eight possible values “000”, “001”, “010”, “011”, “100”, “101”, “110”, and “111” of three bits, or one of other values of another number of multiple bits. A cell that has the ability to store multiple bits is sometimes called a multi-level cell (or multi-state cell).

Memory device 100 can include a non-volatile memory device, and memory cells 102 can include non-volatile memory cells, such that memory cells 102 can retain information stored thereon when power (e.g., voltage Vcc, Vss, or both) is disconnected from memory device 100. For example, memory device 100 can be a flash memory device, such as a NAND flash (e.g., 3-dimesional (3-D)) NAND) or a NOR flash memory device, or another kind of memory device, such as a variable resistance memory device (e.g., a phase change memory device or a resistive RAM (Random Access Memory) device.

One of ordinary skill in the art may recognize that memory device 100 may include other components, several of which are not shown in FIG. 1 so as not to obscure the example embodiments described herein. At least a portion of memory device 100 can include structures and operations similar to or identical to any of the memory devices described below with reference to FIG. 2 through FIG. 10.

FIG. 2 shows a block diagram of a portion of a memory device 200 including decks (decks of memory cell strings) 215 ₀ and 215 ₁, according to some embodiments described herein. Memory device 200 can correspond to memory device 100 of FIG. 1. For example, decks 215 ₀ and 215 ₁ can correspond to decks 115 ₀ and 115 ₁, respectively, of FIG. 1. FIG. 2 shows dimensions x, y, and z to indicate that, in the physical structure of memory device 200 (shown in FIG. 4 and FIG. 5 and described in detail below), decks 215 ₀ and 215 ₁ can be located (e.g., formed) in a z dimension (e.g., arranged vertically) over each other and over a substrate (e.g., a semiconductor substrate). The z-dimension is perpendicular to the x-dimension and y-dimension (perpendicular to an x-y plane).

As shown in FIG. 2, deck 215 ₀ can include data lines 270 ₀, 271 ₀, and 272 ₀ that carry signals (e.g., bit line signals) BL0 ₀, BL1 ₀, and BL2 ₀, respectively. Each of data lines 270 ₀, 271 ₀, and 272 ₀ can be structured as a conductive line that can include a bit line of deck 215 ₀. Deck 215 ₀ can include access lines 250 ₀, 251 ₀, 252 ₀, and 253 ₀ that can carry corresponding signals (e.g., word line signals) WL0 ₀, WL1 ₀, WL2 ₀, and WL3 ₀. Each of access lines 250 ₁, 251 ₁, 252 ₁, and 253 ₁ can be structured as a conductive line that can include a word line of deck 215 ₀. Deck 215 ₀ can include control gates (e.g., memory cell control gates) 240 ₀, 241 ₀, 242 ₀, and 243 ₀ that can be coupled to (or part of) access lines 250 ₀, 251 ₀, 252 ₀, and 253 ₀, respectively.

Deck 215 ₁ can include data lines 270 ₁, 271 ₁, and 272 ₁ that carry signals (e.g., bit line signals) BL0 ₁, BL1 ₁, and BL2 ₁, respectively. Each of data lines 270 ₁, 271 ₁, and 272 ₁ can be structured as a conductive line that can include a bit line of deck 215 ₁. Deck 215 ₁ can include access lines 250 ₁, 251 ₁, 252 ₁, and 253 ₁ that can carry corresponding signals (e.g., word line signals) WL0 ₁, WL1 ₁, WL2 ₁, and WL3 ₁. Each of access lines 250 ₁, 251 ₁, 252 ₁, and 253 ₁ can be structured as a conductive line that can include a word line of deck 215 ₁. Deck 215 ₁ can include control gates (e.g., memory cell control gates) 240 ₁, 241 ₁, 242 ₁, and 243 ₁ that can be coupled to (or part of) access lines 250 ₁, 251 ₁, 252 ₁, and 253 ₁, respectively.

FIG. 2 shows each of deck 215 ₀ and 215 ₁ including three data lines and four access lines (and four corresponding control gates) as an example. The number of data lines and access lines of decks 215 ₀ and 215 ₁ can vary.

As shown in FIG. 2, no deck among the decks (e.g., 215 ₀ and 215 ₁) of memory device 200 shares an access line (or access lines) of the access lines (e.g., 250 ₀, 251 ₀, 252 ₀, 253 ₀, 250 ₁, 251 ₁, 252 ₁, and 253 ₁) of memory device 200 with another deck among the decks of memory device 200. For example, decks 215 ₀ and 215 ₁ share no access line (do not share an access line or access lines) among access lines 250 ₀, 251 ₀, 252 ₀, 253 ₀, 250 ₁, 251 ₁, 252 ₁, and 253 ₁. Thus, memory cell blocks 290 and 291 share no access line (do not share an access line or access lines) among access lines 250 ₀, 251 ₀, 252 ₀, 253 ₀, 250 ₁, 251 ₁, 252 ₁, and 253 ₁.

As shown in FIG. 2, no deck among the decks (e.g., 215 ₀ and 215 ₁) of memory device 200 shares a data line (or data lines) of the data lines (e.g., 270 ₀, 271 ₀, 272 ₀, 270 ₁, 271 ₁, and 272 ₁) of memory device 200 with another deck among the decks of memory device 200. For example, decks 215 ₀ and 215 ₁ share no data line (do not share a data line or data lines) among data lines 270 ₀, 271 ₀, 272 ₀, 270 ₁, 271 ₁, and 272 ₁ and share no conductive path (do not share a conductive path or conductive paths) among conductive paths 257 ₀ and 257 ₁. Thus, no data line of data lines 270 ₀, 271 ₀, 272 ₀, 270 ₁, 271 ₁, and 272 ₁ is shared by memory cell blocks 290 and 291, and no conductive path of conductive paths 257 ₀ and 257 ₁ is shared by memory cell blocks 290 and 291.

As shown in FIG. 2, data lines 270 ₀, 271 ₀, and 272 ₀ of deck 215 ₀ are separated from and not coupled to (e.g., electrically unconnected to) data lines 270 ₁, 271 ₁, and 272 ₁ of deck 215 ₁. Thus, during a memory operation (e.g., read or write operation) performed (e.g., concurrently performed) on memory cells of deck 215 ₀ and 215 ₁, memory device 200 can use data lines 270 ₀, 271 ₀, and 272 ₀ to carry information (e.g., information to be stored in or read from memory cells of deck 215 ₀) that is different from information (e.g., to be stored in or read from memory cells of deck 215 ₁) carried by data lines 270 ₁, 271 ₁, and 272 ₁.

As shown in FIG. 2, access lines 250 ₀, 251 ₀, 252 0 , and 253 ₀ of deck 215 ₀ are separated from and not coupled to (e.g., electrically unconnected to) access lines 250 ₁, 251 ₁, 252 ₁, and 253 ₁of deck 215 ₁. Thus, during a memory operation (e.g., read, write, or erase operation), only one of decks 215 ₀ and 215 ₁ can be selected or both of decks 215 ₀and 215 ₁can be selected (e.g., concurrently selected). This allows memory device 200, during a memory operation (e.g., read, write, or erase operation), to access and operate on memory cells of only one of decks 215 ₀and 215 ₁ or memory cells of both of decks 215 ₀and 215 ₁.

As shown in FIG. 2, memory device 200 can include driver circuits 240 and 241, a row decoder 249, buffer circuits 220 and 221, a level decoder 219, conductive paths 257 ₀ coupled to (e.g., coupled directly between) data lines 270 ₀, 271 ₀, and 272 ₀ and buffer circuits 220, and conductive paths 257 ₁ coupled to (e.g., coupled directly between) data lines 270 ₁, 271 ₁, and 272 ₁ and buffer circuits 221. Conductive paths 257 ₀ can be considered as part of data lines 270 ₀, 271 ₀, and 272 ₀. Conductive paths 257 ₁ can be considered as part of data lines 270 ₁, 271 ₁, and 272 ₁.

Driver circuits 240 and 241 can be part of row access circuitry of memory device 200 that can correspond to row access circuitry 108 of FIG. 1. Buffer circuits 220 and 221 can be part of buffer circuitry of memory device 200 that can correspond to and operate in ways similar to (or the same as) buffer circuitry 120 of FIG. 1. For example, buffer circuits 220 can include sense amplifiers to sense information read from memory cells of memory cell block 290, and data latches store (e.g., temporarily store) one bit (or multiple bits) of information read from memory cells of memory cell block 290. Similarly, buffer circuit 221 can include sense amplifiers to sense information read from memory cells of memory cell block 291, and data latches to store (e.g., temporarily store) one bit (or multiple bits) of information read from memory cells of memory cell block 291.

Level decoder 219 can be part of column access circuitry of memory device 200 (that can correspond to column access circuitry 109 of FIG. 1). Level decoder 219 can operate to activate buffer circuits 220 and 221 to provide information to or receive information from memory cells through respective data lines of decks 215 ₀ and 215 ₁ (which are arranged in the “z” direction). Thus, level decoder 219 can be referred to as a “z” decoder.

As shown in FIG. 2, decks 215 ₀ and 215 ₁ have similar elements. Thus for simplicity, similar elements between decks 215 ₀ and 215 ₁ are given the same designation labels (e.g., reference numbers). The following description focuses on details of deck 215 ₀. The elements of deck 215 ₀ can have a similar description (which is not described in detail below for simplicity).

Deck 215 ₀ includes memory cells 210, 211, 212, and 213, select transistors (e.g., source select transistors) 261, 262, and 263, and select transistors (e.g., drain select transistors) 264, 265, and 266. Memory cells 210, 211, 212, and 213 can be arranged in memory cell strings, such as memory cell strings 231 through 239. Deck 215 ₀ can include a line 299 ₀ that can carry a signal SRC₀ (e.g., source line signal). Line 299 ₀ can be structured as a conductive line that can form part of a source (e.g., a source line) of deck 215 ₀ memory device 200.

Each of memory cell strings 231 through 239 of deck 215 ₀ can be coupled to one of data lines 270 ₀, 271 ₀, and 272 ₀ through one of select transistors 264, 265, and 266. Each of memory cell strings 231 through 239 of deck 215 ₀ can also be coupled to line 299 ₀ through one of select transistors 261, 262, and 263. For example, memory cell string 231 can be coupled to data line 270 ₀ through select transistor 264 (directly over string 231) and to line 299 ₀ through select transistor 261 (directly under string 231). In another example, memory cell string 232 can be coupled to data line 270 ₀ through select transistor 265 (directly over string 232) and to line 299 ₀ through transistor 262 (directly under string 232). FIG. 2 shows an example of nine memory cell strings 231 through 239 and four memory cells 210, 211, 212, and 213 in each memory cell string. However, the number of memory cell strings and the number of memory cells in each memory cell string of deck 215 ₀ can vary. Further, one skilled in the art would recognize that some of the memory cells among memory cells 210, 211, 212, and 213 of memory cell strings 231 through 239 may be configured as dummy memory cells. Dummy memory cells are not configured to store information. Dummy memory cells may be configured for purposes known to those skilled in the art. In some examples of memory device 200, dummy memory cells may include one or two (or more than two) memory cells at the two ends of each of memory cell strings 231 through 239. For example, in FIG. 2, dummy memory cells can include a memory cell (or memory cells) immediately next to each of select transistors 261, 262, and 263, and/or a memory cell (or memory cells) immediately next to each of select transistors 264, 265, and 266.

As shown in FIG. 2, some memory cells (e.g., 213) of different memory cell strings (e.g., 231 through 239) can be controlled by the same control gate (e.g., 243 ₀) and can be coupled to the same access line (e.g., 253 ₀). Some other memory cells (e.g., 212) of these memory cell strings (e.g., 231 through 239) can be controlled by another control gate (e.g., 242 ₀). Each of control gates 240 ₀, 241 ₀, 242 ₀, and 243 ₀ can be structured as a single conductive plate (shown in FIG. 4 and FIG. 5). During a memory operation of memory device 200, control gates 240 ₀, 241 ₀, 242 ₀, and 243 ₀ can receive respective signals WL0 ₀, WL1 ₀, WL2 ₀, and WL3 ₀ (through respective access lines 250 ₀, 251 ₀, 252 0 , and 253 ₀) to access memory cells 210, 211, 212, and 213 of selected memory cell strings.

As shown in FIG. 2, select transistors 261, 262, and 263 of deck 215 ₀ can be coupled to a select line (e.g., source select line) 280 ₀. Select transistors 261, 262, and 263 of deck 215 ₀ can be controlled (e.g., turned on or turned off) by the same signal, such as an SGS₀ signal (e.g., source select gate signal) applied to select line 280 ₀. During a memory operation, such as a read or write operation, select transistors 261, 262, and 263 of deck 215 ₀ can be turned on (e.g., by activating SGS₀ signal) to couple memory cell strings 231 through 239 of deck 215 ₀ to line 299 ₀. Select transistors 261, 262, and 263 of deck 215 ₀ can be turned off (e.g., by deactivating the SGS₀ signal) to decouple memory cell strings 231 through 239 of deck 215 ₀ from line 299 ₀.

Select transistors 264, 265, and 266 of deck 215 ₀ can be coupled to select lines (e.g., drain select lines) 284 ₀, 285 ₀, and 286 ₀, respectively. Select transistors 264, 265, and 266 of deck 215 ₀ can be controlled (e.g., turned on or turned off) by corresponding signals SGD0 ₀, SGD1 ₀, SGD2 ₀ (e.g., drain select gate signals). During a memory operation (e.g., a read or write operation) select transistors 264, 265, and 266 of deck 215 ₀ can be selectively turned on (e.g., by selectively activating signals SGD0 ₀, SGD1 ₀, SGD2 ₀) to selectively couple the memory cell strings of deck 215 ₀ to their respective data lines 270 ₀, 271 ₀, and 272 ₀. Select transistors 264, 265, and 266 of deck 215 ₀ can be selectively turned off (e.g., by selectively deactivating signals SGD0 ₀, SGD1 ₀, SGD2 ₀) to selectively decouple the memory cell strings of deck 215 ₀ from their respective data lines 270 ₀, 271 ₀, and 272 ₀.

During a memory operation (e.g., a read or write operation), only one of the signals SGD0 ₀, SGD1 ₀, SGD2 ₀ can be activated at a time (e.g., the signals will be sequentially activated). For example, during a read operation to read (e.g., sense) information from memory cell strings 231, 234, and 237, signal SGD0 ₀ can be activated to turn on transistors 264 of deck 215 ₀ and couple memory cell strings 231, 234, and 237 of deck 215 ₀ to data lines 270 ₀, 271 ₀, and 272 0 , respectively. In this example, signals SGD1 ₀ and SGD2 ₀ can be deactivated (while signal SGD0 ₀ is activated) to decouple memory cell strings 232, 235, 238, 233, 236, and 239 of deck 215 ₀ from data lines 270 ₀, 271 ₀, and 272 ₀. In another example, during a read operation to read information from memory cell strings 232, 235, and 238, signal SGD1 ₀ can be activated to turn on transistors 265 and couple memory cell strings 232, 235, and 238 to data lines 270 ₀, 271 ₀, and 272 ₀, respectively. Signals SGD0 ₀ and SGD2 ₀ can be deactivated (while signal SGD1 ₀ is activated) to decouple memory cell strings 231, 234, 237, 233, 236, and 239 from data lines 270 ₀, 271 ₀, and 272 ₀.

As mentioned above, deck 215 ₁ includes elements similar to those of deck 215 ₀. For example, as shown in FIG. 2, deck 215 ₁ can include memory cell strings 231 through 239, select transistors 261, 262, 263, 264, 265, and 266, select line (e.g., source select line) 280 ₁ and corresponding signal SGS₁ (e.g., source select gate signal), line 299 ₁ (e.g., source line) and corresponding signal SRC₁ (e.g., source line signal), select lines (e.g., drain select lines) 284 ₁, 285 ₁, and 286 ₁ and corresponding signals SGD0 ₁, SGD1 ₁, SGD2 ₁ (e.g., drain select gate signals).

Each of decks 215 ₀ and 215 ₁ can include memory cell blocks in which each of the memory cell blocks includes memory strings. For example, deck 215 ₀ can include memory cell block 290, which includes memory cell strings 231 through 239 in deck 215 ₀, and deck 215 ₁ can include memory cell block 291, which includes memory cell strings 231 through 239 in deck 215 ₁. Memory cell block 290 can correspond to one of memory cell blocks 190 of FIG. 1. Memory cell block 291 can correspond to one of memory cell blocks 191 of FIG. 1. For simplicity, only one memory cell block 290 of deck 215 ₀ and only one memory cell block 291 of deck 215 ₁ are shown in FIG. 2. Further, FIG. 2 shows each of memory cell blocks 290 and 291 including nine memory cell strings (e.g., 231 through 239) as an example. The number of memory cell strings in memory cell blocks 290 and 291 can vary.

A memory cell block (e.g., 290 or 291) of a memory device (e.g., 200) described herein is a group of memory cells (e.g., 210, 211, 212, and 213) in which fewer than all of the memory cells (or alternatively all of the memory cells) in the group of memory cells (memory cell block) can be selected as selected memory cells to store information in (e.g., in a write operation) or read information from (e.g., in a read operation) the selected memory cells. However, fewer than all of the memory cells in the group of memory cells (e.g., only memory cells have stored information) may not be selected as selected memory cells to erase information from the selected memory cells (e.g., in an erase operation). In an erase operation, all of the memory cells in the group of memory cells (memory cell block) are selected (e.g., automatically selected) even if some of the memory cells in the group of memory cells are available to store information (e.g., some of the memory cells in the group of memory cells have no stored information before the erase operation). Thus, a memory cell block includes memory cells in which fewer than all of the memory cells (or alternatively all of the memory cells) can be selected during a read or write operation. However, in an erase operation, all of the memory cells in the memory cell block (memory cells in entire memory cell block) are selected.

Memory cell block 290 can include a unique block address (block-level address) within deck 215 ₀. Memory cell block 291 can include a unique block address (block-level address) within deck 215 ₁. However, memory cell blocks 290 and 291 may include the same block address (same block-level address). For example, memory cell block 290 may include a block address BK-29 (for example) that is unique among block addresses of memory cell blocks of deck 215 ₀, and memory cell block 291 may also include block address BK-29 but that is unique among block addresses of memory cell blocks of deck 215 ₁. Decks 215 ₀ and 215 ₁ have different deck addresses (deck-level addresses). During a memory operation (e.g., read, write, or erase operation), only one of memory cell blocks 290 and 291 or both memory cell blocks 290 and 291 can be selected based on block-level address and deck-level address. Since memory cell blocks 290 and 291 may have the same block address, memory cell blocks 290 and 291 can be concurrently selected during a memory operation based on an address information. This may simplify row access circuitry, column access circuitry, both row and column access circuitry of memory device 200.

Memory device 200 can include different modes of operations, including a single deck mode and multi-deck (e.g., double deck) mode. Memory device may perform a single deck operation in the single deck mode and a multi-deck (e.g., double deck) operation in the multi-deck mode. Address information received by memory device 200 during a particular memory operation can be decoded to determine whether that particular mode of operation is single deck mode (in order to perform a single deck operation) or multi-deck mode (in order to perform a multi-deck operation). Memory device 200 can include an address register (not shown in FIG. 2, but it can be similar to address register 107 of FIG. 1) to receive address information. Decoding of the address information (e.g., decoded by row decoder 249) can provide information for single deck operation or multi-deck operation.

In a single deck operation, one of decks 215 ₀ and 215 ₁ can be selected (e.g., accessed) while the other deck may not be selected (e.g., unselected or not accessed). For example, in a single deck operation, memory cell block 290 of decks 215 ₀ can be selected to access and operate on memory cells in block 290 while memory cell block 291 of deck 215 ₁ is unselected, such that memory cells in memory cell block 291 may not be accessed. As an example, in a single deck operation (e.g., performed in the single deck mode) memory device 200 can operate to establish (to form) circuit paths (e.g., current paths) between data lines 270 ₀, 271 ₀, and 272 ₀ of memory cell block 290 and buffer circuits 220 (e.g., through conductive paths 257 ₀) if memory cell block 290 is selected during a memory operation (e.g., read or write operation) to access memory cells (e.g., selected memory cells of selected memory cell strings) of memory cell block 290. In this example, memory cell block 291 can be unselected. Thus, memory device 200 may establish no circuit paths (e.g., establish no current paths) between data lines 270 ₁, 271 ₁, and 272 ₁ of memory cell block 291 and buffer circuits 221.

In a multi-deck operation, decks 215 ₀ and 215 ₁ can be concurrently selected (e.g., concurrently accessed). For example, in a multi-deck operation, memory cell blocks 290 and 291 can be concurrently selected to access and operate on memory cells in memory cell blocks 290 and 291. As an example, in a multi deck operation (e.g., performed in the multi-deck mode) where memory cell blocks 290 and 291 are selected (e.g., concurrently selected in the same read operation or the same write operation), memory device 200 can operate to establish circuit paths (e.g., current paths) between data lines 270 ₀, 271 ₀, and 272 ₀ of memory cell block 290 and buffer circuits 220 (e.g., through conductive paths 257 ₀). In this example, memory device 200 can also establish circuit paths (e.g., current paths) between data lines 270 ₁, 271 ₁, and 272 ₁ of memory cell block 291 and buffer circuits 221(e.g., through conductive paths 257 ₁).

Row decoder 249 can operate to decode address information (from an address register of memory device 200) to obtain decoded row address information. A particular operation of memory device 200 can be a single deck operation or a multi-deck operation based on the decoded row address information. Row decoder 249 can operate to activate only one of driver circuits 240 and 241 (e.g., to access and operate on memory cells of only one of memory cell blocks 290 and 291) if the operation is a single deck operation. Row decoder 249 can operate to activate both driver circuits 240 and 241 (e.g., to access and operate on memory cells in of both memory cell blocks 290 and 291) if the operation is a multi-deck operation.

Memory device 200 may provide control information (e.g., commands) to level decoder 219 based on address information. Such control information can include information for a single deck operation or multi-deck operation. Level decoder 219 can decode such control information in order to activate buffer circuits 220 and 221 accordingly. For example, if the operation is a single deck operation (e.g., based on only one of the addresses of deck 215 ₀ and deck 215 ₁ being decoded), level decoder 219 can operate to activate only one of buffer circuits 220 and 221. If the operation is a multi-deck operation (e.g., based on the addresses of both of decks 215 ₀and 215 ₁ being decoded), level decoder 219 can operate to activate both buffer circuits 220 and 221.

The following description gives different examples for single and multi-deck operations. In an example of a single deck operation (e.g., read, write, or erase operation) of memory device 200, memory cell block 290 of deck 215 ₀ can be selected while memory cell block 291 of deck 215 ₁ is unselected (not selected). Thus, in this example, memory device 200 may not operate on memory cells 210, 211, 212, and 213 of memory cell block 291. Memory device 200 may operate on memory cells 210, 211, 212, and 213 of memory cell block 290 to store information in selected memory cells of memory cell block 290 (e.g., if the operation is a write operation), read information from selected memory cells of memory cell block 290 (e.g., if the operation is a read operation), or erase information from selected memory cells (e.g., all of memory cells) of memory cell block 290 (e.g., if the operation is an erase operation). In this example, row decoder 249 can activate driver circuit 240 (e.g., by activating signal DR_LO) and may not activate driver circuits 241 (e.g., by not activating (e.g., deactivating) signal DR_UP). Thus, selected memory cell strings of deck 215 ₀ are accessed and memory cell strings of deck 215 ₁ are not accessed. Level decoder 219 can activate buffer circuits 220 (e.g., by activating signal BL_LO) and may not activate buffer circuits 221 (e.g., by not activating (e.g., deactivating) signal BL_UP). Then, information can be stored in memory cell block 290 (if the operation is a write operation) or read from memory cell block 290 (if the operation is a read operation) of deck 215 ₀ using buffer circuits 220 (the activated buffer circuits in this example), conductive paths 257 ₀, and data lines 270 ₀, 271 ₀, and 272 ₀.

In another example of a single deck operation (e.g., read, write, or erase operation), deck 215 ₁ can be selected while deck 215 ₀ is unselected. Thus, in this example, row decoder 249 can activate driver circuit 241 (e.g., by activating signal DR_UP) and may not activate driver circuit 240 (e.g., by not activating (e.g., deactivating) signal DR_LO). Level decoder 219 can activate buffer circuits 221 (e.g., by activating signal BL_UP) and may deactivate buffer circuits 220 (e.g., by not activating (e.g., deactivating) signal BL_LO). Then, information can be stored in memory cell block 291 (if the operation is a write operation) or read from memory cell block 291 (if the operation is a read operation) of deck 215 ₁ using buffer circuits 221 (the activated buffer circuits in this example), conductive paths 257 ₁, and data lines 270 ₁, 271 ₁, and 272 ₁.

In an example of a multi-deck deck operation, memory cell blocks 290 and 291 of decks 215 ₀ and 215 ₁ can be concurrently selected (e.g., selected at the same time based on the same block address) to operate on memory cells 210, 211, 212, and 213 of memory cell blocks 290 and 291. In this example, memory device 200 may access and operate on memory cells 210, 211, 212, and 213 of memory cell blocks 290 and 291 to store information in selected memory cells of memory cell blocks 290 and 291 (e.g., if the operation is a write operation), read information from selected memory cells of memory cell blocks 290 and 291 (e.g., if the operation is a read operation), or erase information from selected memory cells (e.g., all of memory cells) of memory cell blocks 290 and 291 (e.g., if the operation is an erase operation). In this example (e.g., in a read or write operation), row decoder 249 can activate (e.g., concurrently activate) driver circuits 240 and 241 (e.g., by concurrently activating signals DR_LO and DR_UP). Level decoder 219 can activate (e.g., concurrently activate) buffer circuits 220 and 221 (e.g., by concurrently activating signals BL_LO and (which can be based on deck address being decoded). Then, information (e.g., different information) can be concurrently provided to memory cell blocks 290 and 291 (to be stored in selected memory cells in memory cell blocks 290 and 291) or concurrently read from memory cell blocks 290 and 291 using respective buffer circuits (220 and 221), respective conductive paths (257 ₀ and 257 ₁), and respective data lines (270 ₀, 271 ₀, 272 ₀, 270 ₁, 271 ₁, and 272 ₁) associated with memory cell blocks 290 and 291.

Thus, as described above, memory device 200 can include separate data lines for different decks (e.g., data lines 270 ₀, 271 ₀, and 272 ₀ for deck 215 ₀, and data lines 270 ₁, 271 ₁, and 272 ₁ for deck 215 ₁), separate (e.g., dedicated) driver circuits for different decks (e.g., driver circuits 240 and 241 for decks 215 ₀ and 215 ₁, respectively), and separate (e.g., dedicated) buffer circuits for different decks (e.g., buffer circuits 220 and 221 for decks 215 ₀ and 215 ₁, respectively). The elements and operations of memory device 200, as described above, may allow it to have improvements over some conventional memory devices. For example, throughput (e.g., for read, write, and erase operation) of memory device 200 can be higher than throughput of some conventional memory devices. As an example, in comparison with some conventional memory devices, throughput of memory device 200 can be two times higher (double) if memory device 200 includes two decks (e.g., 215 ₀ and 215 ₁), four times higher (quadruple) if memory device 200 includes four decks, or eight times higher if memory device 200 includes eight decks. Further, in comparison with some conventional memory devices, including separate driver circuits (e.g., 240 and 241) for different decks (e.g., 215 ₀ and 215 ₁) along with separate data lines for different decks in memory device 200 may allow it to have a lower capacitance (e.g., coupling capacitance) and a smaller block size (lower storage capacity for each memory cell block).

FIG. 3 shows a schematic diagram of a portion of the memory device 200 of FIG. 2 including details of driver circuits 240 and 241 of FIG. 2 and buffer circuits 220 and 221 of FIG. 2, according to some embodiments described herein. As shown in FIG. 3, driver circuit 240 can include transistors (e.g., high-voltage drive transistor) T0. Transistors T0 can have a transistor gate 340 (e.g., a common gate, which is common to transistors T0). Thus, transistors T0 can be controlled (e.g., turned on at the same time or turned off at the same time) using the same transistor gate (e.g., transistor gate 340). Driver circuit 241 can include transistors (e.g., high-voltage drive transistor) T1. Transistors T1 can have a transistor gate 341 (e.g., a common gate, which is common to transistors T1 and different from transistor gate 340). Thus, transistors T1 can be controlled (e.g., turned on at the same time or turned off at the same time) using the same transistor gate (e.g., transistor gate 341).

Memory device 200 can include conductive lines 350, 351, 352, 353, and 354 through 354i, each of which can carry a signal (e.g., voltage signal, which is different from a data signal). As an example, conductive lines 350, 351, 352, and 353 can carry signals (e.g., voltage signal) V0, V1, V2, and V3, respectively.

As shown in FIG. 3, some (e.g., four) of transistors T0 can be coupled between conductive lines 350, 351, 352, and 353 and access lines 250 ₀, 251 ₀, 252 0 , and 253 ₀, respectively. Some (e.g., four) of transistors T1 can be coupled between conductive lines 350, 351, 352, and 353 and access lines 250 ₁, 251 ₁, 252 ₁, and 253 ₁, respectively.

For simplicity, FIG. 3 omits connections (conductive connections) between some elements of deck 215 ₀ and conductive lines 354 through 354 _(i). Such connections include connections between conductive lines 354 through 354 i and select line (e.g., source select line) 280 ₀, select lines (e.g., drain select lines) 284 ₀, 285 ₀, and 286 ₀, and line (e.g., source line) 299 ₀ of deck 215 ₀. Similarly, for simplicity, FIG. 3 omits connections (conductive connections) between some elements of deck 215 ₁ and conductive lines 354 through 354 i. Such connections include connections between conductive lines 354 through 354 i and select line (e.g., source select line) 280 ₁, select lines (e.g., drain select lines) 284 ₁, 285 ₁, and 286 ₁, and line (e.g., source line) 299 ₁ of deck 215 ₁.

Driver circuit 240 can use transistors T0 to provide (e.g., drive) signals from conductive lines 350, 351, 352, 353, and 354 through 354 i to respective elements of deck 215 ₀o. For example, driver circuit 240 can use four of transistors T0 to provide signals V0, V1, V2, and V3 from four corresponding conductive lines 350, 351, 352, and 353 to four access lines 250 ₀, 251 ₀, 252 0 , and 253 ₀, respectively.

Driver circuit 241 can use transistors T1 to provide (e.g., drive) signals from conductive lines 350, 351, 352, 353, and 354 through 354 _(i) to respective elements of deck 215 ₁. For example, driver circuit 241 can use four of transistors T1 to provide signals V0, V1, V2, and V3 from four corresponding conductive lines 350, 351, 352, and 353 to four access lines 250 ₁, 251 ₁, 252 ₁, and 253 ₁, respectively, of deck 215 ₁.

As shown in FIG. 3, transistor gates 340 and 341 are separate from each other. Thus, driver circuits 240 and 241 can separately use transistor gates 340 and 341 (e.g., separately activate respective signals DR_LO and DR_UP) to control (e.g., turn on or turn off) transistors T0 and T1. For example, during a single deck operation of memory device 200, if deck 215 ₀ is selected to be accessed (to operate on memory cells 210, 211, 212, and 213 of memory cell block 290) and deck 215 ₁ is not selected to be accessed, then signal DR_LO can be activated (e.g., by row decoder 249) while signal DR_UP is not activated (e.g., deactivated). In this example, transistors T0 can be turned on while transistors T1 are turned off in order to establish circuit paths (e.g., current paths) between access lines 250 ₀, 251 ₀, 252 0 , and 253 ₀ of memory cell block 290 and conductive lines 350, 351, 352, and 353 (e.g., through transistors T0). This allows signals V0, V1, V2, and V3 to be applied to access lines 250 ₀, 251 ₀, 252 0 , and 253 ₀, respectively, (through turned-on transistors T0). In this example, memory device 200 may establish no circuit paths (e.g., establish no current paths) between access lines 250 ₁, 251 ₁, 252 ₁, and 253 ₁ of memory cell block 291 and conductive lines 350, 351, 352, and 353 (because transistors T1 are turned off). Thus, in this example, signals V0, V1, V2, and V3 are not applied to access lines 250 ₁, 251 ₁, 252 ₁, and 253 ₁.

In another example, during another single deck operation of memory device 200, if deck 215 ₁ is selected to be accessed (to operate on memory cells 210, 211, 212, and 213 of memory cell blocks 291) and deck 215 ₀ is not selected to be accessed, then signal DRL_UP can be activated (e.g., by decoder 249) while signal DR_LO is not activated (e.g., deactivated). In this example, transistors T1 can be turned on while transistors T0 are turned off. This allows signals V0, V1, V2, and V3 to be applied to access lines 250 ₁, 251 ₁, 252 ₁, and 253 ₁ respectively (through turned-on transistors T1). In this example, signals V0, V1, V2, and V3 are not applied to access lines 250 ₀, 251 ₀, 252 0 , and 253 ₀ because transistors T0 are turned off.

In an example multi-deck operation of memory device 200 where both decks 215 ₀ and 215 ₁ are selected to be accessed (to operate on memory cells 210, 211, 212, and 213 of memory cell blocks 290 and 291), signals DR_LO and DRL_UP can be activated (e.g., by decoder 249). In this example, transistors T0 and T1 are turned on (e.g., concurrently turned on). This allows signals V0, V1, V2, and V3 to be applied to access lines 250 ₀, 251 ₀, 252 0 , and 253 ₀, respectively, and to access lines 250 ₁, 251 ₁, 252 ₁, and 253 ₁ because transistors T0 and T1 are turned on.

As shown in FIG. 3, memory device 200 can include a buffer circuit 320, a buffer circuit 321, and transistors 320 a and 321 a. Buffer circuit 320 and transistor 320 a can be part of buffer circuits 221 of FIG. 2. Buffer circuit 321 and transistor 321 a can be part of buffer circuits 220 of FIG. 2. Buffer circuit 320 can include transistors (inside buffer circuit 320) that can be part of a sense amplifier of buffer circuit 320 (to sense information read from memory cells of memory cell strings 231, 232, and 233 of memory cell block 290) and part of a data latch of buffer circuit 320 to store (e.g., temporarily store) one bit (or multiple bits) of information read from memory cells of memory cell strings 231, 232, and 233 of memory cell block 290. Similarly, buffer circuit 321 can include transistors (inside buffer circuit 321) that can be part of a sense amplifier of buffer circuit 321 (to sense information read from memory cells of memory cell strings 231, 232, and 233 of memory cell block 291) and part of a data latch of buffer circuit 321 to store (e.g., temporarily store) one bit (or multiple bits) of information read from memory cells of memory cell strings 231, 232, and 233 of memory cell block 291.

As shown in FIG. 3, data lines 270 ₀ and 270 ₁ can be coupled to respective buffer circuits (e.g., 320 and 321) through different transistors (e.g., 320 a and 321 a). This allows level decoder 219 to selectively activate signals BL_LO and BL_UP in order to selectively couple data lines 270 ₀ and 270 ₁ to their respective buffer circuits 320 and 321, depending on the mode of operation (e.g., single deck or multi-deck mode) of memory device 200.

For example, in a single deck operation of memory device 200, if deck 215 ₀ is selected to be accessed (to operate on memory cells 210, 211, 212, and 213 of memory cell block 290) and deck 215 ₁ is not selected to be accessed, then signal BL_LO can be activated (e.g., by level decoder 219) while signal BL_UP is not activated (e.g., deactivated). In this example, transistor 320 a can be turned on while transistor 321 a is turned off. This allows data line 270 ₀ to be coupled to buffer circuit 320 through turned-on transistor 320 a. Then, information can be stored in or read from memory cell block 290 of deck 215 ₀ using buffer circuit 320 (the activated buffer circuit in this example). In this example, data line 270 ₁ is not coupled to buffer circuit 321 because transistor 321 _(a) is turned off.

In another example of a single deck operation of memory device 200, if deck 215 ₁ is selected to be accessed (to operate on memory cells 210, 211, 212, and 213 of memory cell block 291) and deck 215 ₀ is not selected to be accessed, then signal BL_UP can be activated (e.g., by level decoder 219) while signal BL_LO is not activated (e.g., deactivated). In this example, transistor 321 a can be turned on while transistor 320 a is turned off. This allows data line 270 ₁ to be coupled to buffer circuit 321 through turned-on transistor 321 a. Then, information can be stored in or read from memory cell block 291 of deck 215 ₁ using buffer circuit 321 (the activated buffer circuit in this example). In this example, data line 270 ₀ is not coupled to buffer circuit 320 because transistor 320 a is turned off.

In an example multi-deck operation of memory device 200 where both decks 215 ₀ and 215 ₁ are selected to be accessed (to operate on memory cells 210, 211, 212, and 213 of memory cell blocks 290 and 291), signals DR_LO and DRL_UP can be activated (e.g., concurrently activated by level decoder 219). In this example, transistors 320 a and 321 a can be concurrently turned on. This allows data lines 270 ₀ and 270 ₁ to be coupled (e.g., concurrently coupled) to buffer circuits 320 and 321, respectively, through turned-on transistors 320 a and 321 a, respectively. Then, information can be currently provided to decks 215 ₀ and 215 ₁ (to be stored in respective memory cells of memory cell blocks 290 and 291) using corresponding buffer circuits 320 and 321, or information can be concurrently read from memory cell blocks 290 and 291 using corresponding buffer circuits 320 and 321.

As shown in FIG. 3, data lines 270 ₀ and 270 ₁ can be coupled to respective buffer circuits (e.g., 320 and 321) through different transistors (e.g., 320 a and 321 a). This allows level decoder 219 to selectively activate signals BL_LO and BL_UP in order to selectively couple data lines 270 ₀ and 270 ₁ to their respective buffer circuits 320 and 321, depending on the mode of operation (e.g., single deck or multi-deck mode) of memory device 200.

FIG. 3 shows buffer circuits (e.g., 320 and 321) and transistors (e.g., 320 a and 321 a) for data line 270 ₀ of deck 215 ₀ of data line 270 ₁ of deck 215 ₁. However, memory device 200 also have a buffer circuit (similar to buffer circuit 320 and or 321) and a transistor (similar to transistor 320 a or 321 a) for each of the other lines (e.g., data lines 271 ₀ and 272 ₀ in FIG. 2) of deck 215 ₀and each of the other lines (e.g., data lines 271 ₁ and 272 ₁ in FIG. 2) of deck 215 ₁.

The elements and operations of memory device 200 of FIG. 3 may allow it to have improvements (e.g., a higher throughput, a smaller block size, and a lower capacitance) over some conventional memory devices, as mentioned above with reference the description of FIG. 2.

FIG. 4 shows a layout of a portion of the memory device of FIG. 2, according to some embodiments described herein. As shown in FIG. 4, memory device 200 can include a substrate 490, doped regions 410, 411, and 412 formed in substrate 490. Substrate 490 can include a monocrystalline (also referred to as single-crystal) semiconductor material (e.g., single-crystal silicon). The monocrystalline semiconductor material of substrate 490 can include impurities, such that substrate 490 can have a specific conductivity type (e.g., p-type).

Doped regions 410, 411, and 412 and substrate 490 and can include materials of different conductivity types. For example, substrate 490 can include a semiconductor material of p-type, and each of doped regions 410, 411, and 412 can include a semiconductor material of n-type.

Doped regions 410 and 412 can be sources and drains of transistors T0 of driver circuit 240, such that one of doped regions 410 and one of doped regions 412 can be the source and drain of one of transistors T0. Doped regions 411 and 412 can be sources and drains of transistors T1 of driver circuit 241, such that one of doped regions 411 and one of doped regions 412 can be the source and drain of one of transistors T1.

As shown in FIG. 4, transistor gate 340 can be located over a location (e.g., transistor channels of transistors T0) between doped regions 410 and 412. Transistor gate 341 can be located over a location (e.g., transistor channels of transistors T1) between doped regions 411 and 412. Each of transistor gates 340 and 341 can have a length extending in an x-dimension (which is perpendicular to the y and z dimensions). Each of conductive lines 350, 351, 352, and 353 in FIG. 4 can have a length extending in the same direction as each of transistor gates 340 and 341.

Control gates 240 ₀, 241 ₀, 242 0 , and 243 ₀ can be formed as conductive plates and can have a staircase structure. Control gates 240 ₀, 241 ₀, 242 0 , and 243 ₀ can be coupled to respective doped regions 410 of driver circuit 240 through respective access lines 250 ₀, 251 ₀, 252 0 , and 253 ₀. Control gates 240 ₁, 241 ₁, 242 ₁, and 243 ₁ can be coupled to respective doped regions 411 of driver circuit 241 through respective access lines 250 ₁, 251 ₁, 252 ₁, and 253 ₁.

FIG. 4, shows access lines 250 ₀, 251 ₀, 252 0 , 253 ₀, 250 ₁, 251 ₁, 252 ₁, and 253 ₁ being simple lines for simplicity. In reality, each of these access lines has a length, a width, and a thickness relative to the x, y, and z dimensions. Similarly, FIG. 4 shows conductive connections between doped regions 412 and respective conductive lines 350, 351, 352, and 353 as simple lines for simplicity. In reality, each of these conductive connections has a length, a width, and a thickness relative to the x, y, and z dimensions.

As shown in FIG. 4, transistor gates 340 and 341 are physically separated from each other. This allows memory device 200 to selectively activate signals DR-LO and DR_UP to selectively couple access lines 250 ₀, 251 ₀, 252 ₀, and 253 ₀ (and control gates 240 ₀, 241 ₀, 242 ₀, and 243 ₀) and access lines 250 ₁, 251 ₁, 252 ₁, and 253 ₁ (and control gates 240 ₁, 241 ₁, 242 ₁, and 243 ₁) to respective conductive lines 350, 351, 352, and 353 (to receive corresponding signals V0, V1, V2, and V3), depending on the mode of operation (e.g., single deck or multi-deck mode), as described above with reference to FIG. 2 and FIG. 3.

FIG. 5 shows a side view of a structure of a portion of memory device 200 of FIG. 2, according to some embodiments described herein. As shown in FIG. 5, row decoder 249, driver circuits 240 and 241, level decoder 219, and buffer circuits 220 and 221 can be located in (e.g., formed in or formed on) substrate 490. In an alternative structure, some or all of row decoder 249, driver circuits 240 and 241, level decoder 219, and buffer circuits 220 and 221 can be located outside substrate 490 (e.g., formed over substrate 490, such as formed in one or more of levels 521 through 528). Thus, in an alternative structure, at least a portion of buffer circuits 220 and 221 (only part of buffer circuits 220 and 221 or the entire buffer circuits 220 and 221) can be formed outside substrate 490.

As shown in FIG. 5, deck 215 ₀ can be located (e.g., formed) over substrate 490 in the z-dimension. Deck 215 ₁ can be located over deck 215 ₀ (e.g., stacked over deck 215 ₀) Memory device 200 can include a dielectric material 515 (e.g., electrical insulating material) between decks 215 ₀ and 215 ₁. In each of decks 215 ₀ and 215 ₁, memory cell strings 231, 232, and 233 can be arranged in the x-dimension, which is perpendicular to the z-dimension. Each of data line 270 ₀ and 270 ₁ can have a length extending in the x-dimension.

Memory cells 210, 211, 212, and 213 of deck 215 ₀ can be located in different levels 521, 522, 523, and 524, respectively, of memory device 200 in the z-dimension. Memory cells 210, 211, 212, and 213 of deck 215 ₁ can be respectively located in different levels 525, 526, 527, and 528 of memory device 200 in the z-dimension.

As shown in FIG. 5, each of memory cell strings 231, 232, and 233 of decks 215 ₀ and 215 ₁ can include a pillar (e.g., a vertical body perpendicular to substrate 490) formed by pillar portions 506, 507, and 508 between a respective data line (270 ₀ or 270 ₁) and a respective line (e.g., source) 299 ₀ or 299 ₁. The pillar can be configured to provide a conduction of current (e.g., to form a conductive channel) between the respective data line (270 ₀ or 270 ₁) and a respective source (line 299 ₀ or 299 ₁). Pillar portions 506 and each of pillar portions 507 and 508 can include materials of different conductivity types. For example, pillar portion 506 can include a semiconductor material of p-type, and each of pillar portions 507 and 508 can include a semiconductor material of n-type. The semiconductor material can include polycrystalline silicon (polysilicon).

In deck 215 ₀, control gates 240 ₀, 241 ₀, 242 0 , and 243 ₀ can be located along respective segments of pillar portion 506 of a pillar of a respective memory cell string among memory cell strings 231, 232, and 233. Control gates 240 ₀, 241 ₀, 242 0 , and 243 ₀ can be located in the z-dimension in the same levels (e.g., 521, 522, 523, and 524) where memory cells 210, 211, 212, and 213 of deck 215 ₀ are located.

Similarly, in deck 215 ₁, control gates 240 ₁, 241 ₁, 242 ₁, and 243 ₁ can be located along respective segments of pillar portion 506 of a pillar of a respective memory cell string among memory cell strings 231, 232, and 233. Control gates 240 ₁, 241 ₁, 242 ₁, and 243 ₁ can be located in the z-dimension in the same levels (e.g., 525, 526, 527, and 528) where memory cells 210, 211, 212, and 213 of deck 215 ₁ are located. Each of control gates 240 ₀, 241 ₀, 242 ₀, 243 ₀, 240 ₁, 241 ₁, 242 ₁, and 243 ₁ can include a conductive material (e.g., conductively doped polycrystalline silicon or other conductive material).

Each of decks 215 ₀ and 215 ₁ can include materials 503, 504, and 505. For simplicity, the following description focuses on materials 503, 504, and 505 in deck 215 ₀. Deck 215 ₁ has similar arrangement for materials 503, 504, and 505.

In deck 215 ₀, material 505 can be formed between a pillar (formed by pillar portions 506, 507, and 508) of a corresponding memory cell string (231, 232, or 233) and select line (e.g., source select line) 280 ₀. Material 505 can be formed between a pillar (formed by pillar portions 506, 507, and 508) of a corresponding memory cell string (231, 232, or 233) and each of select lines (e.g., drain select lines) 284 ₀, 285 ₀, and 286 ₀, Material 505 can be used as a gate oxide for each of select transistors (e.g., source select transistors) 261, 262, and 263, and each of select transistors (e.g., drain select transistors) 264, 265, and 266.

The combination of materials 503, 504, 505 in deck 215 ₀ can be formed between pillar portion 506 of a corresponding pillar and each of control gates 240 ₀, 241 ₀, 242 ₀, 243 ₀. The combination of materials 503, 504, 505 can form part of the structure of a memory cell (e.g., memory cell 210, 211, 212, or 213) of deck 215 ₀. For example, the combination of materials 503, 504, and 505 can be part of a TANOS (TaN, Al₂O₃, Si₃N₄, SiO₂, Si) structure of each of memory cells 210, 211, 212, and 213 of deck 215 ₀ and deck 215 ₀. In this example, material 503 (e.g., interpoly dielectrics) can include a charge-blocking material or materials (e.g., a dielectric material such as TaN and Al₂O) that is capable of blocking a tunneling of a charge. Material 504 can include a charge storage element (e.g., charge storage material or materials, such as Si₃N₄) that can provide a charge storage function (e.g., trap charge) to represent a value of information stored in memory cells 210, 211, 212, or 213. Material 505 can include a tunnel dielectric material or materials (e.g., SiO₂) that is capable of allowing tunneling of a charge (e.g., electrons). As an example, material 505 can allow tunneling of electrons from pillar portion 506 to material 504 during a write operation and tunneling of electrons from material 504 to pillar portion 506 during an erase operation of memory device 200. Moreover, material 505 can allow tunneling of holes from pillar portion 506 to portion 504, compensating the trapped electron's recombination during an erase operation of memory device 200.

In another example, the combination of materials 503, 504, and 505 can be part of a SONOS (Si, SiO₂, Si3N₄, SiO₂, Si) structure of each of memory cells 210, 211, 212, and 213) of deck 215 ₀ and deck 215 ₁. In a further example, the combination of materials 503, 504, and 505 can be part of a floating gate structure of each of memory cells 210, 211, 212, and 213 of deck 215 ₀ and deck 215 ₁.

As shown in FIG. 5, data line 270 ₀ can be coupled (e.g., directly coupled) to buffer circuit 220 through (e.g., directly through) a conductive path 570 ₀, which is included in one of conductive paths 257 ₀ (FIG. 2). Conductive path 570 ₀ can be considered as part of data line 270 ₀, such that the material of conductive path 570 ₀ can directly contacts the material of data line 270 ₀. Data line 270 ₁ can be coupled (e.g., directly coupled) to buffer circuit 221 through (e.g., directly through) a conductive path 570 ₁, which includes portions 570A and 570B. Conductive path 570 ₁ is included in one of conductive paths 257 ₁ (FIG. 2). Conductive path 570 ₁ can be considered as part of data line 270 ₁, such that the material of conductive path 570 ₁can directly contacts the material of data line 270 ₁. Each of conductive paths 570 ₀ and 570 ₁ can include a conductive material (or conductive materials) that is located (e.g., formed) over substrate 490, such as conductively doped polycrystalline silicon, metal, or other conductive materials. Portions 570A and 570B can be formed either at the same time (e.g., in the same deposition process) or at different times (e.g., in different deposition processes).

Portion 570A can be formed (e.g., formed in a process) before Portion 570B is formed (e.g., formed in another process). For example, portion 570A can be formed when conductive path 570 ₀ is formed (e.g., when deck 215 ₀ is formed), then portion 570B can be formed (e.g., formed when deck 215 ₁ is formed) after conductive path 570 ₀ and portion 570A are formed.

As shown in FIG. 5, conductive paths 570 ₀ and 570 ₁ are physically separated from each other (e.g., electrically unconnected to each other), and data lines 270 ₀ and 270 ₁ are separately coupled to buffer circuits 220 and 221 through conductive paths 570 ₀ and 570 ₁, respectively. Thus, conductive paths 570 ₀ and 570 ₁ are not shared by memory cell blocks 290 and 291. This allows memory device 200 to operate in either a single deck operation or multi-deck operation, as described above with reference to FIG. 2, FIG. 3, and FIG. 4.

Each of other data lines (271 ₀ and 272 ₀) of deck 215 ₀ and data lines (e.g., 271 ₁ and 272 ₁) of deck 215 ₁ also includes a conductive path similar to conductive paths 570 ₀ and 570 ₁. For example, memory device 200 can include two conductive paths (similar to conductive path 570 ₀) coupled to respective data lines 271 ₀ and 272 ₀ and two conductive paths (similar to conductive path 570 ₁) coupled to respective data lines 271 ₁ and 272 ₁.

FIG. 6 shows a schematic diagram of a memory device 600 including multiple decks having shared access lines 250, 251, 252, and 253, and separate data lines 270 ₀, 271 ₀, 272 ₀, 270 ₁, 271 ₁, and 272 ₁, according to some embodiments described herein. As shown in FIG. 6, memory device 600 can include elements similar to those of memory elements of memory device 200 of FIG. 2. Thus, for simplicity, similar or identical elements are given the same designation labels and their descriptions are not repeated here.

As shown in FIG. 6, memory device 600 can include a row decoder 649, a driver circuit 643, a level decoder 619, a driver circuit (e.g., a level driver circuit) 629, and buffer circuits 623. Decks 215 ₀ and 215 ₁ access lines 250, 251, 252, and 253. Thus, memory cell blocks 290 and 291 share access lines 250, 251, 252, and 253. Memory device 600 can use driver circuit 643 to access both decks 215 ₀ and 215 ₁ through access lines 250, 251, 252, and 253. Row decoder 649 can generate a signal DR to control driver circuit 643. Level decoder 619 can generate signals BL-LO and BL_UP (to control buffer circuits 623) and information (e.g., signals) CTL to control driver circuit 629. Driver circuits 629 can be used to provide (e.g., drive) signals (e.g., voltage signals) to respective select lines 280 ₀ and 280 ₁ and lines (e.g., sources) 299 ₀ and 299 ₁.

FIG. 7 shows a schematic diagram of a portion of memory device 600 of FIG. 6 including details of driver circuit 643 and buffer circuits 623 of FIG. 6, according to some embodiments described herein. As shown in FIG. 7, driver circuit 643 can include transistors (e.g., high-voltage drive transistor) T2. Transistors T2 can have a transistor gate 743 (e.g., a common gate, which is common to drive transistors T2). Thus, transistors T2 can be controlled (e.g., turned on at the same time or turned off at the same time) using the same transistor gate (e.g., transistor gate 743).

Conductive lines 350, 351, 352, 353, and 354 through 354i (and signals V0, V1, V2, and V3) are similar to those described above with reference to FIG. 3. As shown in FIG. 7, some (e.g., four) of transistors T2 can be coupled between conductive lines 350, 351, 352, and 353 and access lines 250, 251, 252, and 253, respectively. For simplicity, FIG. 7 omits connections (conductive connections) between some elements of deck 215 ₀ and conductive lines 354 through 354 i. Such connections include connections between conductive lines 354 through 354 i and select lines (e.g., drain select lines) 284 ₀, 285 ₀, 286 ₀, 284 ₁, 285 ₁, and 286 ₁.

Driver circuit 643 can use transistors T2 to provide (e.g., drive) signals from conductive lines 350, 351, 352, 353, and 354 through 354 i to respective elements of decks 215 ₀ and 215 ₁. For example, driver circuit 643 can use four of transistors T2 to provide signals V0, V1, V2, and V3 from four corresponding conductive lines 350, 351, 352, and 353 to four access lines 250, 251, 252, and 253, respectively.

During a memory operation of memory device 600, when either deck 215 ₀ or deck 215 ₁ is selected to be accessed, driver circuit 643 can activate signal DR to turn on transistors T2. This allows signals V0, V1, V2, and V3 to be applied to access lines 250, 251, 252, and 253, respectively (through turned-on transistors T2). Memory device 600 can operate on memory cells of the selected deck (e.g., either deck 215 ₀ or 251 ₁) to store information in or read information from selected memory cells of the selected deck (e.g., if the operation is a write or read operation), or erase information from selected memory cells (e.g., all of memory cells) of memory cell block 290 (e.g., if the operation is an erase operation).

As shown in FIG. 7, memory device 200 can include a buffer circuit 723, and transistors 733 ₀ and 733 ₁. Buffer circuit 723 and transistors 733 ₀ and 733 ₁ can be part of buffer circuits 623 of FIG. 6. Data lines 270 ₀ and 270 ₁ can be coupled to buffer circuit 723 through transistors 733 ₀ and 733 ₁, respectively.

Driver circuits 629 can include transistors (e.g., high-voltage drive transistors, not shown in FIG. 7) similar to transistors T2 in order to control the values (e.g., voltage values) of signals (e.g., voltage signals) provided to select lines 280 ₀ and 280 ₁ and lines (e.g., sources) 299 ₀ and 299 ₁ during operations of memory device 600.

Memory device 600 may provide control information (e.g., commands) to level decoder 619 based on address information received during a memory operation (e.g., read, write, or erase operation) of memory device 600. Level decoder 619 can decode such control information in order to selectively activate signals BL_LO and BL_UP to selectively turn on transistors 733 ₀ and 733 ₁. Level decoder 619 can also provide information CTL to driver circuit 629, such that driver circuit 629 can control the values of signals provided to select lines 280 ₀ and 280 ₁ and lines 299 ₀ and 299 ₁ during operations of memory device 600 (described in more detail below with reference to FIG. 8).

In FIG. 7, as an example, if memory cell block 290 of deck 215 ₀ is selected and memory cell block 291 of deck 215 ₁ is unselected (not selected), row decoder 649 can activate driver circuit 643 (e.g., by activating signal DR) to access memory cells 210, 211, 212, and 213 of selected memory cell strings of memory cell block 290. Level decoder 619 can activate signal BL_LO (and not activate signal BL_UP) to turn on transistor 733 ₀ in order to couple data line 270 ₀ to buffer circuit 723. In this example, level decoder 619 may not activate signal BL_UP to keep off (or turn off) transistor 733 ₁ while transistor 733 ₀ is turned on, thereby not coupling data line 270 ₁ to buffer circuit 723 while data line 270 ₀ is coupled to buffer circuit 723. Then, information can be stored in or read from memory cell block 290 of deck 215 ₀ using buffer circuit 723.

In FIG. 7, as another example, if memory cell block 291 of deck 215 ₀ is selected and memory cell block 290 of deck 215 ₀ is unselected (not selected), row decoder 649 can activate driver circuit 643 (e.g., by activating signal DR) to access memory cells 210, 211, 212, and 213 of selected memory cell strings of memory cell block 291. Level decoder 619 can activate signal BL_UP (and not activate signal BL_LO) to turn on transistor 733 ₁ in order to couple data line 270 ₁ to buffer circuit 723. In this example, level decoder 619 may not activate signal BL_LO to keep off (or turn off) transistor 733 ₀ while transistor 733 ₁ is turned on, thereby not coupling data line 270 ₀ to buffer circuit 723 while data line 270 ₁ is coupled to buffer circuit 723. Then, information can be stored in or read from memory cell block 291 of deck 215 ₁ using buffer circuit 723.

In the above examples of accessing memory cells of either deck 215 ₀ or 215 ₁, information CTL can have values to cause driver circuit 629 to provide select lines 280 ₀ and 280 ₁ with different voltages and lines 299 ₀ and 299 ₁ with different voltages (e.g., voltages shown in FIG. 8). Some other signals of decks 215 ₀ and 215 ₁ can also be provided with voltage shown in FIG. 8.

In FIG. 7, driver circuits 629 can include transistors (e.g., high-voltage drive transistors, not shown in FIG. 7) similar to transistors T2 in order to control the values (e.g., voltage values) of signals (e.g., voltage signals) applied to select lines 280 ₀ and 280 ₁ and lines (e.g., sources) 299 ₀ and 299 ₁ during operations of memory device 600.

As shown in FIG. 7, memory device 600 can conductive paths 780 ₀ and 780 ₁ coupled to select lines (e.g., source select lines) 280 ₀ and 280 ₁, respectively. Conductive paths 780 ₀ and 780 ₁ are coupled to driver circuit 629. Conductive paths 780 ₀ and 780 ₁ are separate from each other (e.g., electrically unconnected to each other). Thus, during a memory operation (e.g., read, write, or erase operation) of memory device 600, driver circuit 629 can provide (e.g., apply) signals SGS₀ and SGS₁ with voltages having different values (e.g., as shown in chart 600A of FIG. 8), depending on which of decks 215 ₀ and 215 ₁ is selected. For example, during a memory operation of memory device 600, driver circuit 629 can couple line 280 ₀ to a conductive line (not shown in FIG. 6) through a transistor (not shown in FIG. 6) and line 280 ₁ to another conductive line (not shown in FIG. 6) through another transistor (not shown in FIG. 6). The conductive lines (that are coupled to lines 280 ₀ and 280 ₁ through the transistors in driver circuit 629) in this example can be provided with voltages having different values.

As shown in FIG. 7, memory device 600 can include conductive paths 799 ₀ and 799 ₁ are coupled to lines (e.g., sources) 299 ₀ and 299 ₁, respectively. Conductive paths 799 ₀ and 799 ₁ are coupled to driver circuit 629. Conductive paths 799 ₀ and 799 ₁ are separate (e.g., electrically uncoupled) from each other. Thus, during a memory operation (e.g., read, write, or erase operation) of memory device 600, driver circuit 629 can provide (e.g., apply) signals SRC₀ and SRC₁ with voltages having different values (e.g., as shown in chart 600A of FIG. 8), depending on which of decks 215 ₀ and 215 ₁ is selected. For example, during a memory operation of memory device 600, driver circuit 629 can couple line 299 ₀ to a conductive line (not shown in FIG. 6) through a transistor (not shown in FIG. 6) and line 299 ₁ to another conductive line (not shown in FIG. 6) through another transistor (not shown in FIG. 6). The conductive lines (that are coupled to lines 299 ₀ and 299 ₁ through the transistors in driver circuit 629) in this example can be provided with voltages having different values.

FIG. 8 is a chart 600A showing example voltages applied to some signals of memory device 600 in FIG. 6 and FIG. 7 during read, write, and erase operations of memory device 600, according to some embodiments described herein. Some of the signals of memory device 600 in FIG. 6 and FIG. 7 (e.g., WL0 ₀, WL1 ₀, WL2 ₀, WL3 ₀, WL0 ₁, WL1 ₁, WL2 ₁, and WL3 ₁) are omitted from FIG. 8 for simplicity. The omitted signals can be provided with voltages known to those skilled in the art. In FIG. 8, for simplicity, the signal (BL0 ₀) from only one of data lines 270 ₀, 271 ₀, and 272 ₀) and the signal (BL0 ₁) from only one of data lines 270 ₁, 271 ₁, and 272 ₁) are shown.

Voltage Vss in FIG. 8 can have a value of 0V (e.g., ground potential). Voltage Vcc can be a supply voltage of memory device 600 (FIG. 6 and FIG. 7). Voltage Vbl can have a value (e.g., either a pre-charge voltage value or a sensed value) depending on the value of information stored in the selected memory cell. Voltage Verase can have relatively high value (e.g., 20V) to allow erasing of information stored in memory cell of a selected memory cell block (e.g., 290 or 291 in FIG. 6). Voltage Vy can have a relatively low value (e.g., 3V to 5V). In FIG. 8, “FLOAT” indicates a state (e.g., a “float state”) situation where a particular conductive line (or signal on that particular conducive line) is decoupled from a bias voltage (decoupled from direct current (DC) voltage source). This decoupling allows the value of the voltage of that particular conductive line (or signal on that particular conducive line) to vary. For example, in a read operation in FIG. 8 when deck 215 ₀ is selected, line 299 ₁ (that carry signal SRC₁) deck 215 ₁ (unselected deck) can be placed in a float state. In this example, information CTL may be provided with a value to cause driver circuit 629 in FIG. 7 to turn off a transistor (in driver circuit 629) coupled between line 299 ₀ and a conductive line (not shown in FIG. 7) that is used to provide a voltage to line 299 ₁ (through driver circuit 629) if deck 215 ₁ is selected.

As shown in FIG. 8, either deck 215 ₀ or deck 215 ₁ can be selected in a read, write, or erase operation to operate on memory cells 210, 211, 212, and 213 of selected memory cell strings of memory cell block 290 or 291. However, in an erase operation, both deck 215 ₀ and deck 215 ₁ can be selected (e.g., concurrently selected) to operate on memory cells 210, 211, 212, and 213 of selected memory cell strings of memory cell blocks 290 and 291.

The elements and operations of memory device 600 (e.g., based on chart 600A) may allow it to have improvements over some conventional memory devices. For example, smaller block size may be achieved by the separate data lines of decks 215 ₀ and 215 ₁. Further, as shown in FIG. 8, in a read or write operation (only one of deck 215 ₀ and deck 215 ₁ can be selected) the signal on the source (e.g., SRC₀ or SRC₁) of the unselected deck is provided with voltage Vss (e.g., grounded) and the signal (e.g., BL0 ₀ or BL0 ₁) on the data line of the unselected deck is placed in a float state. This may also cause the channels of the memory cell strings of the unselected deck (e.g., channels similar to the channels in pillar portions 506, 507, and 508 in FIG. 5) of memory device 600 to be in a float state. Therefore, it may help reduce the capacitances on the control gates (e.g., control gates 240 ₀, 241 ₀, 242 0 , and 243 ₀ or control gates 240 ₁, 241 ₁, 242 ₁, and 243 ₁) of the unselected deck. It may also help reduce power consumption in memory device 600. Moreover, in an erase operation of a selected deck, gate-induce drain leakage (GIDL) may be generated only in the selected deck and the channels of the memory cell strings of the unselected deck are in a float state (based on chart 600A). Thus, capacitances on the control gates of the unselected deck may be reduced (e.g., relatively small). This may help reduce (or eliminate) the occurrence of soft-program or erasing of some or all of memory cells in the unselected deck.

FIG. 9 shows a schematic diagram of a portion of memory device 900, which can be a variation of memory device 600 of FIG. 6 and FIG. 7, according to some embodiments described herein. As shown in FIG. 9, memory device 900 can include elements similar to those of memory elements of memory device 600 of FIG. 7. Thus, for simplicity, similar or identical elements are given the same designation labels and their descriptions are not repeated here. Differences between memory devices 600 and 900 include buffer circuits 920 and 921 of FIG. 9. As shown and described above with reference to FIG. 7, data lines 270 ₀ and 270 ₁ may share buffer circuit 733. In FIG. 9, data lines 270 ₀ and 270 ₁ can be coupled to separate buffer circuits 920 and 921.

Memory device 900 can perform a single deck operation in a single deck mode and a multi-deck operation in a multi-deck mode. A single deck operation of memory device 900 can be similar to the operation of memory device 600 described above with reference to FIG. 7 and FIG. 8 (e.g., one (not both) of memory cell blocks 290 and 291 can be selected in a read or write operation). In multi-deck operation of memory device 900, both memory cell blocks 290 and 291 can be selected (e.g., concurrently selected) to access and operate on memory cells 210, 211, 212, and 213 of memory cell blocks 290 and 291. For example, in a multi-deck operation, information can be concurrently provided to memory cell blocks 290 and 291 (through buffer circuits 920 and 921, respectively) to be stored in selected memory cells in memory cell blocks 290 and 291, information can be concurrently read from memory cell blocks 290 and 291 (through buffer circuits 920 and 921), or information in memory cell blocks 290 and 291 can be concurrently erased.

Memory device 900 can have improvements over some conventional memory devices. Such improvements include improvements similar to those of memory device 600 described above with reference to FIG. 6, FIG. 7, and FIG. 8. Further, since data lines 270 ₀ and 270 ₁ can be coupled to separate buffer circuits 920 and 921, memory device 900 can have a higher throughput (e.g., two times) than memory device 600. This may also allow memory device 900 to have a higher throughput than some conventional memory devices (e.g., two times or higher depending on the number of decks of memory device 900).

FIG. 10 is a chart 900A showing example voltages applied to some signals of memory device 900 of FIG. 9 during read, write, and erase operations of memory device 900, according to some embodiments described herein. The erase operation in chart 900A can be the same as the erase operation in chart 600A (FIG. 8). The read and write operations for a single deck operation (e.g., where only one of decks 215 ₀ and 215 ₁ is selected at time) in chart 900A can also be the same as the read and write operations in chart 600A (FIG. 8). However, as shown in chart 900A of FIG. 10, both decks 215 ₀ and 215 ₁can be selected (e.g., selected in a multi-deck operation) in read and write operations, in which the same voltages can be provided to respective signals decks 215 ₀ and 215 ₁. Operating memory device 900 with voltages based on chart 900A may allow memory device 900 to have improvements mentioned above.

The illustrations of apparatuses (e.g., memory devices 100, 200, 600, and 900) and methods (e.g., operating methods associated with memory devices 100, 200, 600, and 900, and methods (e.g., processes) of forming at least a portion of memory devices) are intended to provide a general understanding of the structure of various embodiments and are not intended to provide a complete description of all the elements and features of apparatuses that might make use of the structures described herein. An apparatus herein refers to, for example, either a device (e.g., any of memory devices 100, 200, 600, and 900) or a system (e.g., a computer, a cellular phone, or other electronic system) that includes a device such as any of memory devices 100, 200, 600, and 900.

Any of the components described above with reference to FIG. 1 through FIG. 10 can be implemented in a number of ways, including simulation via software. Thus, apparatuses (e.g., memory devices 100, 200, 600, and 900 or part of each of these memory devices, including a control unit in these memory devices, such as control unit 118 (FIG. 1)) described above may all be characterized as “modules” (or “module”) herein. Such modules may include hardware circuitry, single and/or multi-processor circuits, memory circuits, software program modules and objects and/or firmware, and combinations thereof, as desired and/or as appropriate for particular implementations of various embodiments. For example, such modules may be included in a system operation simulation package, such as a software electrical signal simulation package, a power usage and ranges simulation package, a capacitance-inductance simulation package, a power/heat dissipation simulation package, a signal transmission-reception simulation package, and/or a combination of software and hardware used to operate or simulate the operation of various potential embodiments.

Memory devices 100, 200, 600, and 900 may be included in apparatuses (e.g., electronic circuitry) such as high-speed computers, communication and signal processing circuitry, single or multi-processor modules, single or multiple embedded processors, multicore processors, message information switches, and application-specific modules including multilayer, multichip modules. Such apparatuses may further be included as subcomponents within a variety of other apparatuses (e.g., electronic systems), such as televisions, cellular telephones, personal computers (e.g., laptop computers, desktop computers, handheld computers, tablet computers, etc.), workstations, radios, video players, audio players (e.g., MP3 (Motion Picture Experts Group, Audio Layer 3) players), vehicles, medical devices (e.g., heart monitor, blood pressure monitor, etc.), set top boxes, and others.

The embodiments described above with reference to FIG. 1 through FIG. 10 include apparatuses and methods using a substrate, a first memory cell block including first memory cell strings located over the substrate, first data lines coupled to the first memory cell strings, a second memory cell block including second memory cell strings located over the first memory cell block, second data lines coupled to the second memory cell strings, first conductive paths located over the substrate and coupled between the first data lines and buffer circuitry of the apparatus, and second conductive paths located over the substrate and coupled between the second data lines and the buffer circuitry. No conductive path of the first and second conductive paths is shared by the first and second memory cell blocks. Other embodiments including additional apparatuses and methods are described.

In the detailed description and the claims, a list of items joined by the term “at least one of” can mean any combination of the listed items. For example, if items A and B are listed, then the phrase “at least one of A and B” can mean A only; B only; or A and B. In another example, if items A, B, and C are listed, then the phrase “at least one of A, B and C” can mean A only; B only; C only; A and B (without C); A and C (without B); B and C (without A); or A, B, and C. Each of items A, B, and C can include a single element (e.g., a circuit element) or a plurality of elements (e.g., circuit elements).

The above description and the drawings illustrate some embodiments of the invention to enable those skilled in the art to practice the embodiments of the invention. Other embodiments may incorporate structural, logical, electrical, process, and other changes. Examples merely typify possible variations. Portions and features of some embodiments may be included in, or substituted for, those of others. Many other embodiments will be apparent to those of skill in the art upon reading and understanding the above description. 

What is claimed is:
 1. An apparatus comprising: a substrate; a first memory cell block including first memory cell strings located over the substrate, and first data lines coupled to the first memory cell strings; a second memory cell block including second memory cell strings located over the first memory cell block, and second data lines coupled to the second memory cell strings; first conductive paths located over the substrate and coupled between the first data lines and buffer circuitry of the apparatus; and second conductive paths located over the substrate and coupled between the second data lines and the buffer circuitry, wherein no conductive path of the first and second conductive paths is shared by the first and second memory cell blocks.
 2. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising: first access lines coupled to the first memory cell strings; and second access lines coupled to the second memory cell strings, wherein the first memory cell block shares no access line with the second memory cell block.
 3. The apparatus of claim 2, further comprising: first transistors, each of the first transistors coupled to a respective access line of the first access lines; and second transistors, each of the second transistors coupled to a respective access line of the second access lines, wherein the first transistors include a first common gate, and the second transistors include a second common gate different from the first common gate.
 4. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising access lines coupled to the first and second memory cell strings, wherein the first and second memory cell blocks share the access lines.
 5. The apparatus of claim 4, further comprising transistors, each of the transistors coupled to a respective access line of the access lines, wherein the transistors include a common gate.
 6. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the buffer circuitry includes: a first buffer circuit; a first transistor coupled between the first buffer circuit and one of the first conductive paths; a second buffer circuit; and a second transistor coupled between the second buffer circuit and one of the second conductive paths.
 7. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the buffer circuitry includes: a buffer circuit; a first transistor coupled between the buffer circuit and one of the first conductive paths; and a second transistor coupled between the buffer circuit and one of the second conductive paths.
 8. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising: a first source select line coupled to each of the first memory cell strings; a second source select line coupled to each of the second memory cell strings; a first additional conductive path coupled to the first source select line and a driver circuit; and a second additional conductive path coupled to the second source select line and the driver circuit, wherein the first additional conductive path is separate from the second additional conductive path.
 9. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising: a first source coupled to each of the first memory cell strings; a second source coupled to each of the second of memory cell strings; a first additional conductive path coupled to the first source and a driver circuit; and a second additional conductive path coupled to the second source and the driver circuit, wherein the first additional conductive path is separate from the second additional conductive path.
 10. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising: a first deck of memory cell strings located over the substrate, the first deck of memory cell strings including a first plurality memory cell blocks, wherein the first memory cell block is included in the first plurality memory cell blocks; and a second deck of memory cell strings located over the first deck of memory cell strings, the second deck of memory cell strings including a second plurality memory cell blocks, wherein the second memory cell block is included in the second plurality memory cell blocks.
 11. An apparatus comprising: decks of memory cell strings including a first deck of first memory cell strings located over a substrate, and second deck of second memory cell strings located over the first deck of first memory cell strings; access lines coupled to the decks of memory cell strings; and data lines coupled to the decks of memory cell strings, wherein no deck of memory cell strings of the decks of memory cell strings shares an access line of the access lines with another deck of memory cell strings of the decks of memory cell strings, and no deck of memory cell strings of the decks of memory cell strings shares a data line of the data lines with another deck of memory cell strings of the decks of memory cell strings.
 12. The apparatus of claim 11, further comprising: first transistors, each of the first transistors coupled to a respective access line of first access lines among the access lines; and second transistors, each of the second transistors coupled to a respective access line of second access lines among the access lines, wherein the first transistors include a first common gate, and the second transistors include a second common gate different from the first common gate.
 13. The apparatus of claim 12, further comprising a decoder to concurrently turn on the first and second transistors during a memory operation of the apparatus.
 14. The apparatus of claim 12, further comprising a decoder to turn on the first transistors during a memory operation of the apparatus, and turn off the second transistors while the first transistors are turned on during the memory operation.
 15. The apparatus of claim 11, further comprising: first conductive paths located over a substrate and coupled to first data lines among the data lines; and second conductive paths located over the substrate and coupled to second data lines among the data lines, wherein the first conductive paths are separate from the second conductive paths.
 16. The apparatus of claim 15, further comprising a decoder to concurrently couple the first conductive paths and the second conductive paths to circuitry in the substrate during a memory operation of the apparatus.
 17. The apparatus of claim 15, further comprising a decoder to couple the first conductive paths to circuitry in the substrate during a memory operation of the apparatus, and not to couple the second conductive paths to the circuitry in the substrate during the memory operation.
 18. A method of operating a memory device, the method comprising: accessing memory cells of at least one of a first memory cell block and a second memory cell block of a memory device during a memory operation of the memory device, the first memory cell block located over a substrate of the memory device, the second memory cell block located over the first memory cell block; establishing first circuit paths between first data lines of the first memory cell block and circuitry in the substrate during the memory operation; at a first time, operating the memory device in a first mode, including establishing second circuit paths between second data lines of the second memory cell block and the circuitry while the first circuit paths are established; and at a second time, operating the memory device in a second mode, including establishing no circuit paths between the second data lines and the circuitry.
 19. The method of claim 18, wherein establishing the first circuit paths includes turning on a first transistor coupled between one of the first data lines and a first buffer circuit of the circuitry, and establishing no circuit paths between the second data lines and the circuitry includes turning off a second transistor coupled between one of the second data lines and a second buffer circuit of the circuitry while the first transistor is turned on.
 20. The method of claim 18, wherein establishing the first circuit paths and establishing the second circuit paths includes concurrently turning on a first transistor and a second transistor, the first transistor is coupled between one of the first data lines and a first buffer circuit of the circuitry, and the second transistor is coupled between one of the second data lines and a second buffer circuit of the circuitry. 